A pool party is an ideal way to celebrate a birthday or even a special family event. But this is Michigan and we’ve got a long way to go before things outside warm up enough for swimming. So what’s a party host to do?

Take the party on the road.

“We’ve had lots of birthday parties here,” said Colleen Melon, coordinator for the Anchor Bay Aquatic Center in New Baltimore. On Friday and Saturdays during the family open swims, guests are invited to rent out the Aquatic Center’s meeting room where up to 25 people can gather comfortably for a round of happy birthday wishes.

“We just had one the other day. I think the theme was ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’ We’ve had girls do a luau-style birthday party too,” Melon said. “Generally they (party hosts) come in and set up after 5 p.m. Guests arrive by 6 p.m. Then – before everyone goes for a swim -- we have a lifeguard who explains the rules.”

The guests swim for an hour. Then it’s back to the party room for food and goodies. What kind of meal served depends on the hosts. Melon said she has seen parents order pizza and pop, but that’s not saying you couldn’t also serve P&J sandwiches or fruit kabobs and cake or cupcakes with blue frosting and a gummy fish on top.

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Pool parties are also popular at the Concorde Inn in Clinton Township or just about any YMCA in Macomb or Oakland counties. Fitness Center staff member Megan Wilczynski said the Concorde Inn has a party room that overlooks the pool so guests who may not want to swim can watch all of the action from dry land. “”We’ve had birthday parties and family gatherings here,” Wilczynski said. Guest can bring in food or order burgers and such from the Concorde’s grill.

What’s nice about an indoor pool party is it’s something that all ages can enjoy. Melon said she’s seen guests as young as 4 years old. And if grandma and grandpa want to tag along, they can jump in too. There is a lifeguard on duty but any children who are dependent on a lifejacket must be accompanied by an adult. The Aquatic Center’s family swims are: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 to 5 p.m. Saturdays. However, it’s important to book the room in advance as pool parties are a popular choice at this time of year. “Looking at the party book now we average two parties a weekend,” Melon said.

As for the cost factor, figure anywhere from $125 to $200 depending on the number of guests and the time you plan to use the room.

As with any birthday party, you’ll want to start with the invitations. Think vibrant aquamarine-colored paper or something with a pattern reminiscent of pool water. Use phrases such as “You’re invited to a birthday party that is sure to be a splash.” Don’t forget to remind guests to bring their own towels and bathing suits. You might also consider bringing along water wings or an extra lifejacket just in case someone forgets or decides at the last minute to join in the fun. Since your cost may be determined by the number of guests, encourage everyone to RSVP by a certain date. This will also help determine how much food and munchies are needed.

Party themes can be specific or just geared for an event by the water, complete with inflatable palm trees, beach balls and string lantern lights. Just check with the venue in advance as to what is allowed. You could also make up goody bags filled with water toys or such water-related items as ocean-theme coloring books, although that’s not necessary.

“The gift here is that everyone gets to go for a swim,” Melon said.

Venues like the YMCA or a recreation center can offer a swimming pool or a gymnasium as entertainment options. So the first hour can involve a game of basketball or another activity such as dodge ball or tag. How about the Best Western Sterling Inn? They have awater park with all sorts of fun features including a waterslide and lazy river. Resorts are going to be a little more money, but in this case you can turn it into a birthday/family vacation.

The other nice thing about having a birthday party away from home is that once everything is set up there’s a lot less work involved.